When the world stopped talking during the pandemic, Katie Severt decided to start the conversation that mattered most. As the founder of Let’s Talk Women, Katie is on a mission to close the women’s health gap by elevating the researchers, clinicians, and innovators shaping the future of care.

In this episode, Patrice and Katie explore what happens when women stop saying “I’m fine” and start telling the truth about their health, burnout, and belonging. From pivoting out of tech into healthcare, to creating a thriving national platform for change, Katie shares how she transformed frustration into forward motion—and how we can all help amplify women’s voices, one conversation at a time.

✨ What You’ll Learn

• How Katie’s pivot from tech to healthcare ignited Let’s Talk Women
• What inspired her to take on the women’s health gap—and why it matters to everyone
• How to amplify women’s voices in medicine, innovation, and leadership
• Why self-advocacy in healthcare is a skill every woman needs
• How to break generational silence and talk honestly about what’s not fine
• What’s next for women’s health innovation—and how to get involved
• How movement, stillness, and community can help prevent burnout

About Katie Severt

Katie Hjelmstad Severt, MBA, is an energetic leader with a natural affinity for building relationships and driving meaningful change. As the Founder of Let’s Talk Women, she leads a fast-growing platform and event series working to close the women’s health gap by elevating and amplifying leaders, innovators, researchers, frontline clinicians, investors, and policymakers.

Since launching, Katie has hosted more than a dozen sold-out events convening national voices around pressing issues in women’s health. In November 2025, she’s spearheading THE CHANGE, a groundbreaking summit on menopause featuring some of the most influential experts in the country.

Deeply embedded in Minnesota’s healthcare and innovation ecosystem, Katie serves on the Boards of the Hennepin Healthcare Foundation and the UMN CUHCC Philanthropic Advisory Board, and on the Minneapolis Public Health Advisory Committee. With an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School and a background in technology, strategy, and communications, Katie blends business acumen with a passion for equity and community impact—working toward a future where women’s health is valued, funded, and prioritized.

Connect with Katie & Let’s Talk Women

Website: letstalkhealthwomen.com
LinkedIn: Katie Severt | Let’s Talk Women
Instagram: @letstalkhealthwomen
Facebook: Let’s Talk Women
YouTube: Let’s Talk Women Channel

Katie reminds us that progress starts with honesty. When women talk openly—about their bodies, burnout, and barriers—we all move closer to balance. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they don’t have to be “fine” to be strong.

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Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/